Here are some of our favorite winter-centric names.
Winter gets a bad reputation thanks to its freezing temperatures and, well, having to dig one’s car out from under a mountain of snow, but still: winter is wonderful, and there’s nothing wrong with saying so through your baby’s name. Obviously, your child doesn’t have to be born in winter to pay homage to December – March, but if they are, more points for everyone. Here are some of our favorite winter-centric baby names, and if you think we’ve missed any, suggest some below.
1. Winter
Winter the season isn’t gender-specific, and neither is “Winter,” the name. Fortunately, for anybody who asks, its origin is easy. “Winter” as a human name is still pretty fresh, so consider yourself ahead of the curve if you choose to adopt it.
2. Nicholas
I know it’s surprising (haha), but since Christmas comes every winter (and Santa Claus is named after Saint Nicholas), “Nicholas” is a good way to evoke winter while still opting for something traditional. The true meaning comes from the Greek translation, “victory of the people,” and if you’re having a girl, you can opt for “Nicole” so your daughter can declare victory, too.
3. Primrose
Obviously, we didn’t choose this just for The Hunger Games relevance — but hey, it sure doesn’t hurt. An English winter flower, the Latin translation of “Primrose” means “first rose.” And if thinking of a flower blossoming in the midst of winter harshness isn’t the most hopeful and inspiring thing, then obviously I’ve missed the whole point of The Hunger Games.
4. Ivy
“The Holly and the Ivy” is one of those classic, timeless holiday songs, and the name “Ivy” works in the same way. Whether used as a first name, or as a second (like Beyonce and Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy), it evokes the tradition of the music as well as the loveliness of the plant itself.
5. Holly
Fans of Breaking Bad, you’ve been waiting for this. But even if Baby Holly White didn’t pull at your heartstrings, the winter plant (and its holiday connotations) may. A name of Old English origin, it’s maintained a place in the baby name world thanks to its classy simplicity and is another example of old names making a comeback.
6. Noel
Whether naming your son after one half of Oasis or after winter’s biggest holiday, “Noel” is a baby name that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. (At least, that’s what we can assume since it’s been around since the middle ages.) You can also spell it “Nowell” if you’d like to spell it more modernly or use the French spelling if you’d like a name that’s more festive.
7. Jack
A form of “John,” Jack — when used as a winter tribute — is usually a tribute to Jack Frost, the nickname we’ve given plunging temperatures (and never used as a tribute to that Michael Keaton movie because, you guys, that movie is weird). As for it’s traditional Hebrew meaning? “God is gracious.” (So again, not the movie Jack Frost.)
8. North
Obviously, you should name your child after Kim and Kanye’s child whenever you can, but if you’d rather name him or her after a season usually associated with Canada, “North” is the name for you. However, that’s not to diminish why Kim and Kanye chose “North” in the first place: according to Kris Jenner, “North is the highest power.” Best.
9. Glover
And now for the most literal baby boy (or girl) name of all: an Old English name that comes from the phrase/description, “maker of gloves.” Of course, now that it’s a well-known surname (see: Donald Glover and Danny Glover), it doesn’t necessarily scream winter. But if you like your winter baby names subtle, then this may be the one for you.
10. Neve
The Latin word for “snow,” “Neve” is a quiet tribute to wintertime — or to the Scream franchise if you’re a fan of Neve Campbell. The name also comes to from the Gaelic name, “Niamh,” which means “bright and radiant.” Which, arguably, is what winter is all about, too.
